Into Archive Featured in British Vogue: Kate Mao on the Biggest Vintage Trends of 2026

We were thrilled to be featured in British Vogue recently, where our founder, Kate Mao, shared her insider perspective on what’s next in vintage fashion for 2026. From red-carpet moments to collector-driven trends, Kate offers a deep dive into how materials, craftsmanship, and rare pieces will shape the year ahead.

The Material-Driven Vintage Renaissance
One of the most exciting movements Kate predicts is a focus on exceptional materials and craftsmanship. “As new production slows and the cost of labor and scarce inputs like fur and exotic skins continues to rise, pieces that rely on those materials will become increasingly difficult—and expensive—to source on the primary market,” she explains. “That scarcity will push collectors and style-minded buyers toward vintage to satisfy the same desires: iconic, material-driven statements where the value is as much in the textile and hand-feel as it is in the name on the label.”

This aligns with a broader shift in vintage fashion, as experts note a move away from immediately recognisable pieces toward designs that celebrate subtlety, quality, and tactile richness.

Designers, Eras, and Iconic Pieces to Watch
Kate highlights the enduring allure of Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel era, alongside a resurgence of brands like Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana, where embroidered dresses and suit sets are increasingly sought after. “We just finished bidding on an Alaïa auction that featured pieces from Farida Khelfa herself—someone closely linked with Azzedine Alaïa—and it was record-breaking in prices,” Kate says. “The pieces were spectacular in composition and material, and attaching that historical element of a famous wearer brought them to the next level.”

In addition, vintage from the 2010s continues to gain attention, with Phoebe Philo-era Céline, Nicolas Ghesquière Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, and Miuccia Prada archives seeing renewed interest. Collectors and stylists are also seeking museum-worthy pieces from the 1920s–1950s, embracing the age, story, and rarity that older garments offer.

Red Carpet Reimagined
What will vintage look like on the red carpet in 2026? Kate predicts a shift toward quieter, more refined silhouettes: “Instead of overt, high-gloss spectacle—layers of chiffon, dramatic silk volume, and ‘look at me’ decadence—we’ll see pieces that feel quieter at first glance, yet are astonishing up close: a perfectly cut jacket in lizard, pony hair, or another unconventional, heritage-level textile. The wow factor will come less from shine and more from craftsmanship, construction, and the kind of materials that stop people in their tracks without needing to scream.”

In addition to these nuanced silhouettes, expect to see a revival of Old Hollywood glamour from the 1950s and two-piece ensembles that make a statement without being formal gowns. Celebrities are also increasingly rewearing vintage pieces, whether revisiting iconic items from their own archives or wearing pieces previously worn by past generations—further connecting fashion history to the present.

Why Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel Era is Trending
Kate elaborates on the renewed interest in Lagerfeld-era Chanel: “It could partially be attributed to Matthieu Blazy’s new direction at Chanel, but it’s more about the desire to own exotic materials and the accessibility of these pieces being a social and fashion industry issue. Collectors are increasingly drawn to these rare, material-driven pieces, and that is fueling the trend.”

Looking Ahead
Vintage fashion in 2026 will be defined by materials, craftsmanship, and historical significance, but also by the creative ways stylists and collectors reinterpret these treasures. As Kate emphasizes, the wow factor comes from subtlety, story, and exceptional design—proving that vintage is more than nostalgia; it’s a statement of taste, rarity, and cultural value.